Judging Panel Announced For The Antibiotic Resistance Short Film Competition

Tropfest, the world’s largest short film festival, and NPS MedicineWise are pleased to announce a stellar judging panel for #savethescript—the industry-first short film competition designed to raise awareness and fight antibiotic resistance this cold and flu season.

NPS MedicineWise and Tropfest have partnered to encourage creative individuals or groups to help spread a vital health message to Australians that, through misuse and overuse, antibiotics are losing their power.

The independent Review on Antimicrobial Resistance described antibiotic resistance as “a global public health threat [which] should arguably receive the same kind of public focus HIV/AIDS received in the 1990s or cancer research receives today”. The #savethescript short film competition provides a new avenue for the crucial awareness raising that is needed now.

The judges invited to be involved in #savethescript were chosen for their experience in strategic message delivery through medical, marketing, film and television platforms. The judges will vote on which entries deliver with the most impact, insight and creative messaging on this serious health issue. The winning films will share a prize pool of $10,000 in cash, as well as global exposure via Tropfest’s platforms.

The #savethescript judging panel is:

• Dr Andrew Rochford, Seven Network Health Editor and medical doctor

• Lindsay ‘The Doctor’ McDougall, rock guitarist and radio presenter

• Iggy Rodriguez, Creative Group Head at Leo Burnett

• Dan Uglow, Editorial Director of B&T

• Alyssa McClelland, director and actress

• Michael Laverty, International Managing Director of Tropfest

• Dr Lynn Weekes AM, Chief Executive Officer NPS MedicineWise

“This is an incredibly serious health issue and I cannot wait to see the films that have been entered,” said judge Alyssa McClelland. “I am thrilled to be involved with a short film competition that carries such an important message.”

The good news is, it’s not too late to submit a film. Make a short film/community service announcement (CSA) of up to 45 seconds and upload to one of your social media accounts such as Vimeo, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Make sure the film is available for public viewing, tag @NPSMedicineWise and include the hashtag #savethescript in the description.